THE government has unveiled a landmark £4 billion investment towards children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – but experts have warned that “it risks being absorbed by backlogs and rising demand” and many children are “falling through the cracks”.
Today’s investment includes a new Inclusive Mainstream Fund of £1.6 billion over three years, provided directly to early years, schools and colleges to make sure children get support where and when they need it, it has been announced.
In addition, for the children who need a little extra help, the government will fund a new ‘Experts at Hand’ service, investing £1.8 billion over three years to create a bank of specialists like SEND teachers and speech and language therapist in every local area.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I’ve heard first hand the struggles and exhaustion faced by too many parents who feel they have to fight the system to get their child the support they need. But getting the right support should never be a battle – it should be a given.
“That means no more ‘one size fits all’ system that only serves children who fit the mould. Instead, families will get tailored support built around their child’s individual needs, available on their doorstep. Whatever their background, wherever they live – this government will do right by every child.”
Risks being absorbed by backlogs
But experts warned that the investment “risks being absorbed by backlogs and rising demand”.
Gosia Dawson, Director at Glade Financial, said many kids are “falling through the cracks”.
She added: “As a parent of an autistic child, I welcome the recognition that the SEND system isn’t working for many families. Too often, support is only available once a child reaches a crisis point, leaving those with genuine but less severe needs falling through the cracks.
“£4 billion sounds substantial, but spread nationally over three years, it risks being absorbed by backlogs and rising demand. Funding alone won’t fix structural issues around assessments, thresholds and accountability.
“Early intervention is not a cost, it’s an investment. If this reform shifts support earlier and locally, it could be transformative. If not, parents may still find themselves fighting the system, just under a new funding banner.”
Many are falling through the cracks
Riz Malik, Director at Southend-on-Sea-based R3 Wealth, said this investment is “should only be the start”.
He continued: “As a former Chair of Trustees for a multi-academy trust, this is very welcome news. SEND provision in schools has needed meaningful investment for many years.
“If this funding delivers earlier support and more specialist resources, it should lead to better outcomes for children who need it most. That can only be a positive step forward but should only be the start.”
Photo by Mila Vasileva on Unsplash.
